In an unprecedented track test for the introduction of the new Pirelli Angel GT sport touring tire, world champion Maxi Biaggi conducted a braking test on the flight deck of the Italian Navy’s aircraft carrier, Cavour, anchored in the new Taranto naval base. International press were invited aboard the Italian warship to experience the Angel GT’s performance in wet conditions, and later saw its handling capabilities at the Apulian handling circuit.

Biaggi, a six-time World Champion and reigning World Superbike Champion, accelerated to 100kph before slamming on the brakes at a pre-established braking spot. The Angel GT tires allowed Biaggi to unleash the bike’s full horsepower before ensuring an immediate stop on wet asphalt. Pirelli’s new Angel GT sport touring tires were developed for naked, super sport and touring bikes.

The jewel in the crown of the Pirelli Sport Touring range, Angel GT is the natural successor to the Angel ST, increasing its mileage by 30% and reducing braking distances by around one meter (at a speed of 75 kph). Improvements have also been made to the grip and handling in the wet following an in-depth study of compounds and tread groove geometry and positioning. The Pirelli Research and Development Centre has designed a totally innovative tire
profile,increasing the center radius by around 35% and creating a less rounded middle section. This means that the contact patch is now around 6% shorter and 15% wider than the Angel ST.

Shortly following its debut, the Angel GT was named number one in its segment for mileage by authoritative independent body Motorrad Test Center. The test, held in Spain from November 27 through December 14, also included the Michelin Pilot Road 3, the Dunlop Sportmax Roadsmart II, the Bridgestone Battlax BT 023, the Continental RoadAttack2 and the Metzeler Roadtec Z8 Interact M/O.

The test was conducted on fast roads between Málaga, Algeciras, Jerez, Seville, Cordoba and Antequerra at an average speed of 120kph and on country and mountain roads with speed limits between 90 and 110kph between Marbella, Ronda, Algodonales, Ardales, Alora and Málaga.

The test sessions were held in dry weather conditions with rather low temperatures, but consistent throughout the period. Due to the route that travelled through different altitudes (from 10 to 1100 meters above sea level) the air temperature varied from 18 to 5 degrees Celsius, while the asphalt temperature ranged from 18 to 23 degrees Celsius.

At the end of the test the Angel GTwas found to be the tire with the highest mileage compared to the competitors in the Sport Touring segment.